England's Brad Pickett has called on the UFC to hand him a top-ranked opponent, naming Michael McDonald as a potential next rival.

Pickett put on yet another thrilling show against Mike Easton at UFC Sweden, taking home the Fight of the Night honours after a split decision triumph.

The Brit is undoubtedly one of the top competitors in the 135lb division, beating the likes of Demetrious Johnson, Ivan Menjivar and Easton. However, losses to Renan Barao and Eddie Wineland have harmed his bid for a title shot.

Pickett admits he was forced to change his fighting style after defeat to Wineland, and he now wants the UFC to reward him by giving him the chance to beat somebody ranked higher in the division.

"I actually would like to fight someone ranked above me for once," he said on Fuel TV. "I always get people below me.

Pickett retains belief that he could beat both reigning champion Dominick Cruz and interim champ Barao - despite a previous loss to the Brazilian - and it is by mixing wrestling with boxing that he intends to fight his way to the top.

"The last fight everyone said I was one dimensional. This time, I looked to change and mix things up. I think it went well for me," he said.